If you have ever thought “where did the money go” you’re not alone. Or if you find yourself living pay check to pay check like many, then taking control of your own financial situation might be one of the best things you could ever do for yourself.
Many overspend their income, and it often comes down to 1 of 3 ways.
- Too much house
- Too much car
- Too much entertainment
Living beyond your means can often lead to financial disaster, even debt.
The following are some simple tips that you should start using immediately, if you haven’t already been doing these.
Budgeting
The place to start is creating a budget, so you know your expenses, incoming, outgoing, and what might be leftover for entertainment, travel and other options. Track your expenses so you can stay on track.
Start Investing in Yourself
The more you learn, the more you can earn. Your career and age doesn’t matter. If you don’t have a career and more of a job, investing in schooling can allow you to trade up and earn more.
Automate Your Finances Where Possible
Once you have established a budget, along with any long term goals, it can be to your advantage to automate things like payments where possible. It not only helps to keep you on track for any savings goals, it can also help you to avoid late payments, which could affect your credit score. Automated payments are just smart at times.
Pay Down Your Biggest Expense Faster
A single extra monthly payment per year on your mortgage will shorten the length of your loan by years. This can save you big money over the term of your mortgage and is in the best interest of anyone that has one. Even if you have to scrimp and save all year to make that one extra payment, you should do it just the same.
Get Out of Debt
Sounds simple, and if you put a plan together it doesn’t have to be difficult. Some will be aware of their debt dilemma, but never take any steps towards solving it. For many, credit cards are a big factor to their debt. For those that only make minimum payments, they’re even worse off. Debt can linger for years, and the longer you have it, chances are the more you’ll pay in interest. Prioritizing your debt would be the right move, and doing something about it immediately.
While you probably shouldn’t follow every piece of financial advice found online, these tips would be in your best interest. Creating a plan, along with good financial habits, can go a long way in managing your own personal finances.
Plan for the Future
Invest in your future and it can pay dividends. From additional training and education to smart saving, it’s all worth the time, money and effort.